SU Children's Fair has a cosmic theme this year

SHIPPENSBURG - Walk in to Shippensburg University's Heiges Field House Saturday morning and you will be transported to outer space, complete with aliens and rocket ships.

That is the goal of SU's Volunteer Service Office, host of the 31st annual Children's Fair. The games, activities and prizes for ages 1 to 12 are scheduled for 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

"You can tell the theme when you walk in," said organizer Allie Perlmutter of what her group plans to accomplish with "3...2...1...Blast Off!"

Perlmutter said that in years past the Volunteer Service Office used themes like "Wild, Wild, West," and "Down on the Farm," but they were not carried out as thoroughly. This year, the activities, decorations and prizes will reflect the outer-space theme, she said.

Kids will find activities like Space Ball, Galaxy Painting and dressing up like an astronaut. Galaxy-depicting artwork created by children from area elementary schools will provide related visuals.

"We thought it was something completely different that they haven't done in years past," Perlmutter said.

The Children's Fair attracts 300 to 500 people each year, Perlmutter said. Organizers order 100 prizes.

"I think it's important to get the community and university involved with each other to show they can be connected and be a mutual beneficial experience for everyone," Perlmutter said.

Admission is free.

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Each game requires a 25 cent ticket, but crafts and other activities are free. All proceeds go toward covering the expenses of next year's fair.

"You don't have to spend money to have fun," Perlmutter said.

Shippensburg Town Band, the Shippensburg Middle School Jazz Band and Tillie the Clown will provide entertainment. Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, Chambersburg Evening Lions, Shippensburg Arts Programming and Education and Cumberland Valley Hose Company will host educational displays.